Astronomy Degree Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Temporary Faculty Pool

Department of Physics and Astronomy

College of Science

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona invites applications for Part-Time Lecturer positions in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

About Cal Poly Pomona

Pomona is one of three polytechnic universities in the 22-campus California State University system and among 12 such institutions nationwide. Since its founding in 1938, Cal Poly Pomona students participate in an integrative experiential learning education that is inclusive, relevant, and values diverse perspectives and experiences. With a variety of degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and professional disciplines, the university is well known for its learn- by-doing approach and Teacher Scholar Model.

The university is noted for its scenic and historic 1,400-acre campus, which was once the winter ranch of cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg. We acknowledge that Cal Poly Pomona resides on the territorial and homelands of the Tongva and Tataavium people who are the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar. The university's nearly 30,000 students are taught and mentored by the campus's more than 1,400 faculty as part of 54 baccalaureate and 29 master's degree programs, 11 credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate in educational leadership.

About the College of Science

The College's mission is to educate, mentor, and inspire students through scientific inquiry and hands-on learning. It offers 15 undergraduate degree programs and six Master's degrees across seven academic departments that include: Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Kinesiology & Health Promotion, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physics & Astronomy. Our Center for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (CEMaST) supports K-16 education locally and nationally to increase STEM success and participation for all. The College of Science has approximately 150 full-time faculty, 40 staff, and 4,400 active majors. Our commitment to the teacher-scholar model results in our college being the largest recipient of extramural grant funding on campus. We encourage a broad range of applicants who are committed to enhancing a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to an inclusive campus environment.

About the Department of Physics and Astronomy

One of the largest physics and astronomy programs at a teaching-focused university in the United States, the Department dedicates its efforts to undergraduate education, encompassing classroom instruction, cutting-edge research, and professional advising and networking. Faculty maintain active research programs, reflecting a broad range of interests, that provide hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduates and have been successful at securing external funding. Areas of research focus include astrophysics, biophysics, relativity and quantum gravity, optics, and physics education research. The department boasts more than 150 majors and serves over 2,000 students each semester in multiple disciplines, the majority of whom are first-generation college students and/or members of underrepresented minority groups.  Department personnel include 13 tenured/tenure-track faculty, more than 20 lecturers, and 5 support staff, representing a diverse and inclusive community committed to excellence in teaching and research. Our excellent benefits program includes start-up funds, a reduced teaching load during the first two years, as well as a generous retirement and pension program.  For more information, please see the department website.

The Position

The temporary faculty pool is continuously open, and positions are filled as needed, based on student enrollment and funding. Candidates may need to be available to begin teaching on short notice. The Fall term begins in late August and ends in mid-December; the Spring term begins mid-January and ends in mid-May. Opportunities for teaching during the Summer Sessions may also be available.  We welcome applications from individuals who are experienced and student-centered to teach in the following subject areas:

Responsibilities

Teach assigned lower division courses in the department's curriculum and serve weekly office hours based on assigned teaching unit load. Assignments may include day, evening, and/or weekend courses. 

Required Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Physics or related discipline in the field relevant to the curriculum or related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Physics or related discipline
• Prior teaching experience at the college or university level and ability to furnish evidence of strong teaching.

Salary and Benefit Information

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department.  Initial appointments are for one semester only. The full-time (15 units per semester) monthly base salaries indicated above are prorated to the number of units worked and are paid in six monthly payments for each full semester. 
Most new appointees are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank and placed at the beginning of the range. Anticipated hiring range depending on qualifications, not to exceed $6,221 per month. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:

Lecturer A: $5,507 - $ 6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221 - $13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825 - $14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593 - $15,211

The CSU system offers a competitive total compensation benefits package for employees and qualifying dependents, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition assistance. It is our goal to compensate employees equitably and fairly. For additional information about the university benefits, please visit www.cpp.edu, and for more about faculty life and employee benefits, please see YourLife@CPP.

How to Apply

A complete application must include:

• Cover Letter (indicate which courses you are qualified to teach)
• Resume/Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Unofficial transcripts of highest degree (official transcripts required upon hire)
• Three professional references with names and email addresses

Applications will be reviewed as needed. Please direct all questions about the position to Dr. Matthew Povich, at mspovich@cpp.edu. 

Disclosures

Education Code 89521 Requirements:

Pursuant to Education Code 89521 applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Background Check: 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed.  Offers of employment are conditional and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Out of State Employment:

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.  It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.

Mandated Reporter: 

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

International Candidates:

Cal Poly Pomona is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.

Clery Act:
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Security Report and Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Fire Safety Report.

EEO Statement:

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly Pomona is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Pomona, excellence is built on talent, merit, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Reasonable Accommodation:
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at ADACoordinator@cpp.edu. For more information, go to Employment Notices.

Other Notices:
For other important employment notices, we invite you to visit Cal Poly Pomona's Employment Notices web page.